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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: A Light In The Attic

| By John Petersik | February 2, 2012 | 82 Comments

Reader Redesign: A Light In The Attic

When I was growing up and my parents would take us to open houses for fun, my little sister and I always picked the most interesting room as “ours”: the one with the secret compartment, the one with the biggest windows, etc. If we were to tour Kristin’s house, I’m sure the attic they transformed into their daughter Ella’s bedroom would take the cake by a landslide… and quickly turn into a big fight between my sister and I about who had “dibs.” Here’s Kristin’s letter all about it:

Hi guys! I’ve been torn for a while about which project to submit, but I’m going to go with my daughter Ella’s room because a) the story involves dead pigeons – and what good renovation story doesn’t? – and b) it’s not a kitchen – our kitchen still kind of stinks – and c) you seem to enjoy a good kid’s room with lots of play value and the flexibility to change things up.  So here’s the story.

When we first saw our home, we were drawn to the mansard roof and the attic beyond. Undeterred by the deteriorated brick walls, the water damaged wood, or the pigeon remains, we saw the possibility in that attic for a treetop bedroom and we were sold.

Kristin Before

Demolition began and we removed the rotted pine flooring and salvaged a single wall made of tongue and groove pine.

Kristin During 1

Then we designed wardrobes (we had them fabricated at a local millwork shop) that went in, providing storage and a hiding place for the ductwork that serves this floor and the one below. Next, we covered the exposed rafters and installed beadboard in between.

Kristin During 2

The best part? Those old pine boards were installed on the front wall, adding texture to a wall that has become an ever-changing activity and display wall for our daughter’s creativity.

Kristin After 1

See the map sitting in front of those boards on that angled wall? They’re hard to notice in the photos but are really great in real life. The view of the Gateway Arch and the summer fireworks from that dormer are just icing on the cake.

Kristin After 2

Kristin After 3

I’ll include a before and after of the mansard we rebuilt (well, mostly my husband did since I was pregnant and then we had a newborn.  The mansard is an integral part of her room, but was an expensive necessity!  So I always joked to Ella that she had the most expensive nursery on the block  (slate and copper ain’t cheap, but our own labor is!) Enjoy! – Kristin

Kristin Roof Before

Kristin Roof After

If you wanna read and see more of Kristin’s makeover, hit up her blog for the full scoop on what a lucky girl that little Ella is. Thanks for sharing Kristin! Now, who wants to fight me for that room?

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Comments

  1. Avatar for Witty WifeWitty Wife says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:29 pm

    Well WOW! How beautiful is that room?!?!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for NaomiNaomi says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:30 pm

    wow, what a lucky little girl and a what a beautiful reno!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for CarissaCarissa says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    I love this! Their daughter has a nicer room than my whole house! They did a great job and are definitely an inspiration for future projects!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for ErickaEricka says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    What a great use of space! Love it! (I also love the title of this post – I grew up reading Shel Silverstein!)

    Reply
  5. Avatar for AllynAllyn says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:34 pm

    Oh my gosh! I used to play and read in my attic all the time as a kid! If it hadn’t been so dang hot in the summer, I probably would have begged my parents to let me live in there. What a great idea, and what an awesome house!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Andrea @ the yellow cottageAndrea @ the yellow cottage says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:34 pm

    I now have an irrepressible urge to listen to Vampire Weekend’s “Mansard Roof”. Watching fireworks through your bedroom window = priceless.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Liz FLiz F says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:34 pm

    What a beautiful room! I’m jealous, too–I’m sure my brothers and I would have fought over it as well :P

    Reply
  8. Avatar for MarianneMarianne says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:34 pm

    Gorgeous!!! We have an unfinished attic that is just being used as storage currently. We can’t wait to finish it in the next few years! We will have to redesign the stairs and probably add a dormer which will be huge expenses but it will dramatically improve our home and add some much needed square footage.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Sally @ Exploits of a Military MamaSally @ Exploits of a Military Mama says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    Beautiful! Seriously love this space. What a gorgeous job!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Leigh AnneLeigh Anne says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    I am always amazed how people can look past the initial aesthetic of a home and can envision the amazing potential. This room is really extraordinary!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Maureen @ This (Kinda) Old HouseMaureen @ This (Kinda) Old House says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    Soooo cool! I would have killed for a bedroom like that when I was little.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Krystle @ Color Transformed FamilyKrystle @ Color Transformed Family says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:37 pm

    This room looks like so much fun! I love all the built in wardrobe and fireplace. The pops of color are wonderful.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Angie LeeAngie Lee says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    I call dibs! What a great room and such a lucky little girl!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for StefanieStefanie says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    Dear lord that’s beautiful! I’m 28 years old and I want to live in that room. Beautifully done. That Ella is one lucky little lady. I feel like the rest of the house is just as fantastic.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for rachelrachel says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    those hanging lights really make the room – great job!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Shannon @ Bungalow960Shannon @ Bungalow960 says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    Wow that is beautiful! Our master bedroom is in what used to be the attic. It makes for great high ceilings and ample closet space!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for Lindsey @ arkadian belle woodsLindsey @ arkadian belle woods says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    That is sooo cool! I was and probably still am the same way. I love the cool cubby holes and hidden storage. They did a great job on this room!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Alison U.Alison U. says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    Amazing! What a dream that room is! Sleepovers will always be at Ella’s!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for JuliaJulia says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    Oh wow – this is fantastic! What a great room, but honestly I may have kept it for myself. :-)

    Reply
  20. Avatar for Kerry @ First Time FancyKerry @ First Time Fancy says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    WOW! That room is incredible – what a lucky little girl!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for paulapaula says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    one word: WOW!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for nicole mnicole m says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    Man…I wish I could have a room like that in my house! Not only would i love it…i’m sure my daughter would too (when she’s older).

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Brittany TBrittany T says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    Oh my gosh! The fireplace features a picture from the book, The Little Prince. I’d fight the little girl just for that detail! :)

    Reply
  24. Avatar for NicoleNicole says

    February 2, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    That is beautiful! I just want to snuggle up in that window seat with a comfy blanket and a good book!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for ktmadektmade says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    What a gorgeous reno, and a huge undertaking! I would’ve been completely intimidated!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for LilyLily says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    can i get a like button?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 2, 2012 at 3:46 pm

      Just scroll up to right under the post and you’ll see one!

      -John

    • Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

      February 2, 2012 at 4:30 pm

      I want to LIKE this comment. And John’s response. (don’t worry, me typing “LIKE” is sufficient enough — that coding would be intense!)

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 2, 2012 at 5:24 pm

      That would cool! But I’m happy to stick with the LIKE typing. :)

      -John

  27. Avatar for Kelly of www.twosixe.blogspot.comKelly of www.twosixe.blogspot.com says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    oh my gosh — this is so awesome. such vision! way to go!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for KateKate says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:25 pm

    What a gorgeous room!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for kaycee parkerkaycee parker says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    how charming! i’m jealous of that little girl. hopefully i can inspire my future kids one day. i know this would of blown me out of the water if i were her.

    Reply
  30. Avatar for CarolineCaroline says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:34 pm

    WOW. I will definitely fight for that room. Coolest room ever! Love the mantle :)

    Reply
  31. Avatar for carolinaheartstringscarolinaheartstrings says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    I want that room for myself. How wonderful it is!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Stephanie HaneyStephanie Haney says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:41 pm

    WOW! Can I have that room? Too cool!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Whitney DupuisWhitney Dupuis says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:46 pm

    So beautiful! This is the type of renovation I always envision when ‘redoing’ a room. Sadly, it never turns out this way. Haha, good job!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for PetraPetra says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:47 pm

    Amazing! What an inspiration!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication[email protected] says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    Woah! I’d love to have a room like that!

    Reply
  36. Avatar for HannaHanna says

    February 2, 2012 at 4:01 pm

    So I thought my favorite thing would be the mansard roof, since I love Victorian architectural styles, but I have to say that it is definitely the repurposed mantel with the mural of the Little Prince.

    Oh my god. My little girl needs a Little Prince tile mural STAT!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for Pinning QueenPinning Queen says

    February 2, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    What about the winner winner chicken dinner from Monday’s Fab Freebie post?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 2, 2012 at 5:26 pm

      Just posted it! https://www.younghouselove.com/2012/01/fab-freebie-your-publisher-jan-30/

      -John

  38. Avatar for jenniferjennifer says

    February 2, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    I’d fight ya! That is the single most amazing room ever!!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for The Mrs @ Success Along the WeighThe Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says

    February 2, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    Who wouldn’t love that room as a little girl!? A total dream room!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for Lynn @ SafeBeautyLynn @ SafeBeauty says

    February 2, 2012 at 4:19 pm

    That is one awesome makeover from a dingy dark attic to a bright and airy space like that for your daughter to lounge and grow into. I wish I had such a nice little sanctuary like that growing up. I love those swirly flowers on the front end of that side wall. That is too cute. We are currently looking for ideas for a floral wall in my daughters room so this post is now being saved. I wonder if she hand painted those or if they are vinyl stickers? Hmm…off to her blog to see if she wrote about it or not.

    My best, Lynn

    Reply
  41. Avatar for Amanda J.Amanda J. says

    February 2, 2012 at 4:25 pm

    Man oh man, this is fantastic! I begged and pleaded with my parents to finish their attic so that it could be my room growing up, but to no avail. (Also, no windows, which would have probably been a much bigger expense than they were willing to commit to.)

    The attic did have one weird feature that I have never seen before or since – I’m curious if others have seen it – a giant, industrial size box fan of sorts that was built into the floor of the attic, at the top of the stairway. My parents always referred to it as the “whole house fan” and would turn it on in the spring and summer. It definitely pulled a lot of air through (it was an old, old farmhouse), but exhausted directly into the attic itself – which was so hot in the summer they avoided storing any heat-sensitive stuff up there.

    How would you mitigate how hot an attic would be in a renovation like this? Or work around a “whole house fan” of dubious necessity (I mean, exhausting into the attic? You could have SHOVELED out all of the dust and hair and whatever-I-don’t-even)?

    Reply
  42. Avatar for ChristinChristin says

    February 2, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    WOW!!! That is incredible. That room is gorgeous and so is the outside work they did. Fantastic! Thanks to Kristin for sharing!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for KristinKristin says

    February 2, 2012 at 5:04 pm

    Kristin here – how exciting to see Ella’s room featured today. I was checking messages after leaving a meeting this afternoon and instantly knew something was up! I’m glad you all like the room. I couldn’t agree more. Our house is so old and has taken over a decade to work on (and it’s still not done!), but that third floor is pretty awesome and I escape to it whenever I feel overwhelmed (or underwhelmed)about the rest of the house. I have lots of questions on my blog about the project and I promise to get back to everyone later tonight (and not while I’m at work). Thanks again for the visit, and thanks, John and Sherry, for stopping in. Clara can come hang out with Ella and Frances anytime you make your way to the Midwest!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 2, 2012 at 5:23 pm

      Oooh, we may have to take you up on that invitation Kristin. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful space with us!

      -John

  44. Avatar for EmmaEmma says

    February 2, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    Wonderful! The trim around the new exterior window and the house in general is to die for.

    Reply
  45. Avatar for Lisa GonzalezLisa Gonzalez says

    February 2, 2012 at 5:23 pm

    It’s gorgeous! I love how bright and happy it is. Great job!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for Lynn QuinLynn Quin says

    February 2, 2012 at 5:25 pm

    Every house has attics, it is definitely a good idea to clean it up, remodel it and make good use of the space! A much better idea to have humans in that area of the house than critters! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for laura @ hollywood housewifelaura @ hollywood housewife says

    February 2, 2012 at 5:44 pm

    Ella’s bedroom is DARLING, but I’m pretty darn impressed with that mansard!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for Courtney Foster-DonahueCourtney Foster-Donahue says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:01 pm

    Lovely! I’m not normally a huge fan of lots of white, but I loooove this room. Just enough pops of color and texture to balance it out and make it bright, cheerful, and very chic!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for MarissaMarissa says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:06 pm

    I’m so amazed and inspired by this. My husband and I are preparing to make an offer on a 1920s home in Petersburg, VA and it has so much potential, but is going to take so much work. We don’t even know where we would begin! Seeing this transformation has been really insightful and I can only hope that we will be able to do something equally awesome!

    Reply
    • Avatar for bfishbfish says

      February 2, 2012 at 8:58 pm

      I hope you’re able to get your house. My husband and I live in a 1920s house in Petersburg and have enjoyed working on it for the past 25 years!

  50. Avatar for Sarah @ OneCraftyHomeSarah @ OneCraftyHome says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    Wow! I want to live in that room!

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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